tighten
(verb)
verb
1. make tight or tighter
- Tighten the wire
Similar word(s): fasten
Definition categories: change, alter, modify
2. become tight or tighter
- The rope tightened
Definition categories: change
3. severely restrict in scope or extent
- tighten the rules
Similar word(s): constrain, stiffen
Definition categories: change, bound, confine, limit, restrict, throttle, trammel
4. narrow or limit
Similar word(s): reduce
Definition categories: change, bound, confine, limit, restrict, throttle, trammel
Sentences with tighten as a verb:
- Please tighten that screw a quarter-turn.
- That joint is tightening as the wood dries.
- If the government doesn't tighten the money supply, inflation is certain to be harsh.
- The Fed is expected to tighten by a quarter-point.